South Coast Water District rates to increase

Residents of Dana Point, South Laguna and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano will pay more to wash clothes, water their lawns and take showers starting in August.

The South Coast Water District board Monday approved increases in monthly water and sewer usage rates and annual service fees for residential and business users. The board lowered some increases from a proposal it rejected last week by using $350,000 from reserves.

"It's a good solution," board President Wayne Rayfield said.

The changes the board passed cover fiscal years 2013-14 and 2014-15, whereas the proposal considered last week had three years of increases.

The average monthly water bill for "low-usage" single-family homes will increase by about 7 percent, or $3.50, to a total of $52 starting in August, according to the district. For "high-usage" homes, the average bill will increase 7 percent, or almost $7, to $107. The rates for water use increased by the maximum amount the district notified ratepayers of in June.

The board voted to increase monthly sewer usage rates for all residential customers by less than originally proposed. Instead of 22 percent, it will increase by about 10 percent, or 10 cents per 100 cubic feet. That accounts for about $250,000 from reserves.

The water service charge that customers see on their annual property-tax bills will remain the same for one year for single-family homes, a revision to the original proposal. That will be accomplished by using $100,000 in reserves. In 2014-15, the water service charge will increase by about 3.4 percent, or $10 to $18 for most residential customers, depending on water-meter size.

The annual sewer service charge will initially drop by $35 this year and then increase by $28 next year.

General Manager Betty Burnett said the amount expected to come out of reserves could be less if the district spends less in its capital-improvements budget.

The board voted 3-1 for the rate and fee changes. Member Dick Dietmeier was absent. Board Vice President Robert Moore cast the dissenting vote, expressing concern about increases in salaries and the number of employees at the water district.

"We have to remember that it's our obligation as a public agency, owned by the public, to keep costs as low as we can," Moore said.

Moore said he wanted to review the budget to find more savings.

District staff said the increases are needed because of rising costs for imported water, which makes up about 75 percent of the district's supply, and for projects to develop local sources of water and maintain or replace infrastructure.

"If we were to stay with the current price, we would be selling something for less than it costs. We would be losing money," Rayfield said.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Burnett and Rayfield said increases approved for next year could be revised.

"We will revisit that," Rayfield said. "We have flexibility because what we have notified people of is the maximum."

The board's next meeting is at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 in the council chamber at Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern.

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